Former Red Bridge Library Branch building up for sale
By Kady Weddle
The former, and currently vacant, home of Mid-Continent Public Library’s Red Bridge location is up for bid, accepting sealed submissions through 4 pm on January 4th, 2021. The once public library closed in August of 2019, relocating into its new location and recently renovated building nearby in the Red Bridge Shopping Center.
The building was obviously a really good home for the library for a long time,” says Mid-Continent Public Library Director Steve Potter. “We’re very excited about who ultimately bids on this property because we will still be neighbors.”
Located at 11140 Locust Street, the vacant 14,826-square-foot space features a large open lobby area, manager offices, employee lounge, and public restrooms – zoned as 1.26 acres with 34 parking spaces. Built in 1986, the single-story property is owned by Mid-Continent Public Library and was expanded in 1995. Following the passage of Proposition L in 2016, and the additional funding it brought beginning in 2017, the library began making additional updates to its services and structures, including the replacement of aging facilities. As of this month, the property was appraised at $1 million.
The property resides in the Red Bridge Shopping Center which underwent a massive renovation in 2017. Just minutes south of 1-435 on Holmes Road, the center features locally owned restaurants, shops and businesses represented by Lane 4 Property Group.
“We hope that it is repurposed for a tenant that will build on the momentum of Red Bridge Shopping Center and continue to improve the tenant mix,” says Lane4 Property Group’s vice president, Brandon Buckley.
The same is said by Potter. “What I envision is that this would be an excellent location for offices or restaurants…complimentary uses that go along with the library and [local attractions such as] Wonderscope. Things that would attract and be good amenities for families would certainly be very welcome.”
The former Mid-Continent Liberty Branch building also became vacant in September of this year after the library relocated to a newly built Branch building on Withers Road. This vacant 17,300-square-foot space is located at 1000 Kent Street and is also up for bid. Similarly, the space was originally built in the 1980s and expanded in the ‘90s and, due to its square footage, holds a somewhat higher appraised value of $1.48 million.
Potential buyers are welcome to view either property during their upcoming open house on December 10th. The Liberty Branch building will be available from 9am-12pm with the Red Bridge Branch building taking visitors from 1-3pm. No appointment is necessary however masks and social distancing are required.
Proceeds from both branch building sales will go toward the Library’s Capital Projects Fund, supporting ongoing maintenance and upkeep of Mid-Continent’s 33 library locations across the Kansas City metropolitan area. For more information about both buildings, including full appraisal reports and photos – as well as bidding details – you can visit mymcpl.org/ForSale.